CMS has recognized the efforts of 23 states to improve access to children’s health care coverage with the awarding of more than $307 million in performance bonuses. The bonuses rewarded the successful enrollment of eligible children in Medicaid in states including Colorado, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Virginia, and Wisconsin, according to a CMS press release.
Authorized under the Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 (CHIPRA), which allowed the awarding of performance bonuses for five years, the awards are determined based on the increase in the enrollment of children in Medicaid over a specific target. States qualify for a bonus by taking steps to simplify Medicaid and CHIP enrollment and renewal, improving access to health care for children.
The bonuses awarded can help offset the costs of providing insurance for children of low-income families and encourage ongoing improvements in the insurance coverage of children. Improvements can include the implementation of electronic solutions for reducing paperwork and eliminating the need of face-to-face interviews.
“States are working hard to ensure children get access to the health coverage they need,” said CMS Administrator Marilyn Tavenner. “We are pleased to provide financial support to reward states that are reducing enrollment barriers and are connecting kids to coverage.”